NEW YORK – Columbia tied a program record as the Lions recorded their sixth consecutive shutout and fifth-straight win by defeating Penn, 1-0 on a rain-soaked night at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.
 
The Lions improve to 7-1-1 overall this season by winning the Ivy opener for the second season in a row. The Lions now look to set a new program record for consecutive shutouts after tying the previous mark of six set in 2017. The program record of 10 shutouts for a season is also in reach as the Lions now have eight shutouts for this season.
 
"Paige has had some unbelievable saves," Columbia Women's Soccer Head Coach Tracey Bartholomew said. "You see the sacrifice in the box to block shots. It is just a total team effort defensively. At the end of the day, teams at this level in our league are so good. It is the extra effort and extra inches and diving around to save things that keep that clean sheet. I am super proud of the team in terms of tying that record."
 
Columbia entered the game leading the nation in goals against average and continued to impress. Individually, senior goalkeeper Nurkin entered the contest ranked second in the nation in goals against average and save percentage. She finished off another win as she faced 10 shots and tallied six saves.
 
Following a scoreless battle through most of the game, Columbia finally pushed through to take the lead in the 79^th minute. Junior defender Ania Prussak lined a corner kick toward the goal that Penn goalkeeper Laurence Gladu tried to punch out. Gladu's hand slipped as she made contact with the ball, sending the ball into the goal.
 
"I am proud of the second half response," Bartholomew said. "We were off in the first half and thankfully, we have a great back line. Our goalkeeper Paige (Nurkin) came up with some great saves. Hats off to the team for finding a way."
 
Prussak led the team with five shots in the game. First-year defender Samantha Weiss registered the team's only shot on goal in the contest.
 
UP NEXT
The Lions continue Ivy League play next Saturday at home against Harvard as the second half of a doubleheader with men's soccer. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. Saturday at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

FOLLOWING THE LIONS
For the latest on the Columbia women's soccer program, follow @CULionsWSOC on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaWSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.